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Last updated February 2026
Looking for a race weekend that goes big on action, atmosphere, and personality? Austin’s got you covered. Here’s why the US Grand Prix is more than worth the trip.
Looking for a race weekend that goes big on action, atmosphere, and personality? Austin’s got you covered. Here’s why the US Grand Prix is more than worth the trip.
What to Expect in This Guide• Why the US Grand Prix should be on your F1 bucket list • Where's is Circuit of the Americas • Travelling to Austin: What you need to know • How many days should you spend at the US Grand Prix? • US Grand Prix weekend schedule at a glance • Best places to stay for the US Grand Prix • Best Grandstands for key moments at the US Grand Prix • Where to go next after your trip to the US Grand Prix • Frequently Asked Questions • Money-saving tips for the US Grand Prix Estimated Reading Time: 7-9 minutes Why the US Grand Prix should be on your F1 bucket listIf you’re looking to pick a race that delivers on both track action and off-track energy, the United States Grand Prix in Austin is hard to beat.
The Circuit of the Americas (COTA) has a bit of everything. There is the steep uphill run into Turn 1, known as “Big Red.” There are long straights, fast corners, and a triple-apex section where drivers can run side by side. The lap includes 20 turns in total, one of the highest counts on the calendar, and nearly 40 metres of elevation change from the lowest to the highest point. Add in the anti-clockwise layout and it becomes one of the more physically demanding tracks in Formula One. As Franco Colapinto puts it, “The Circuit of the Americas is an incredible track to drive.” Lando Norris adds, “I really enjoy driving around COTA. It’s fast with some good opportunities to overtake.” But it’s not just tough. It’s fun. The layout encourages real racing with overtakes, battles, and late-braking moves into Turn 12. This place keeps drivers on their toes and fans on the edge of their seats. 
Wheel-to-wheel to the end: Verstappen & Hamilton in Austin, 2021
Look at the stats. In COTA’s first ten years, the winning margin topped 10 seconds only once, so races here are usually close. In 2021, Verstappen held off Hamilton by just 1.3 seconds. In 2022, Alonso went airborne after a high-speed collision and still finished P7. Kimi Räikkönen’s win in 2018 for Ferrari is another standout. It’s a track that regularly produces moments fans remember. 
Kimi Räikkönen celebrates his 2018 victory in Austin
The atmosphere helps as well. Drivers often name Austin as one of their favourite stops on the calendar. The crowd is large, loud, and fully engaged. As Alex Albon put it, it is “one of the best tracks of the year in terms of atmosphere and the fans,” and Oliver Bearman echoes that, saying, “It’s so nice to soak in the atmosphere and passion from all the American fans.” With large crowds and a growing fanbase, the United States Grand Prix continues to grow each year. And then there is Austin itself. Texas barbecue. Live music. A city that leans into race weekend in a way that feels genuine and easygoing. Embracing Texas culture has become part of the US Grand Prix tradition for teams. You will see McLaren drivers in papaya American football jerseys, drivers in cowboy hats, and even full western outfits. Stetsons are often handed out on the podium in place of standard caps. 
Daniel Ricciardo rides into the US Grand Prix Texas-style
The United States Grand Prix in Austin is more than just the racing. It is a cultural event, where Texas hospitality meets Formula 1 in a way that feels relaxed and welcoming. Over the years, the race has delivered close finishes, title battles, large crowds, and plenty of memorable moments. Circuit of the Americas has become a popular and well-loved stop on the Formula 1 calendar. Where's the circuit?The Circuit of the Americas (COTA) sits about 18 miles southeast of downtown Austin on open land, so most visitors stay in the city and travel to the circuit each day. It is a large, purpose-built Formula One venue with a 20-turn, counterclockwise layout that follows the natural hills of the landscape, including the steep climb into Turn 1.
Austin is an easy and enjoyable base, with a lively music scene, a strong food culture, and a compact, walkable downtown area. Read the full guide to visiting Circuit of the Americas here » 
The Circuit of The Americas is F1’s Texas home
Travelling to Austin: What you need to knowGetting to Austin is straightforward. Some cities in Europe have direct flights. If you cannot fly direct, you can connect through another US airport before continuing on to Austin. Travellers from Australia and New Zealand usually connect through Los Angeles or Dallas. All international visitors complete immigration there before flying on.
If you are travelling from within the United States, there are frequent domestic flights from major cities across the country. You can also fly into Houston or Dallas and continue to Austin by air or road. Austin-Bergstrom International Airport is about 8 miles from downtown. From there, you can use taxis, rideshare services, rental cars, public buses, or an airport tram connection into the city centre. Read the full guide to getting to Austin for the United States Grand Prix here » How many days should you spend at the US Grand Prix?It’s best to plan for three full days, from Friday to Sunday. That way, you’ll see every Formula 1 session and the support races across the weekend.
Support events can include series such as Porsche Carrera Cup North America, as they have in previous years. There is track action on all three days, so arriving early each day and staying through to Sunday afternoon gives you the full experience. US Grand Prix weekend schedule at a glanceHere is quick a breakdown of what happens each day at the United States Grand Prix.
Friday starts with the first Formula 1 practice session around midday. Porsche Carrera Cup North America runs a practice session in the afternoon. Later in the day, Formula 1 returns to the track for its second practice session. Saturday begins with Porsche Carrera Cup qualifying in the morning. Formula 1 runs its third and final practice session around midday. In the afternoon, Porsche Carrera Cup holds its first race. Later in the day, Formula 1 qualifying takes place, setting the grid for Sunday’s Grand Prix. Sunday starts with the second Porsche Carrera Cup race in the late morning. The Formula 1 drivers’ parade takes place around midday, followed by the national anthem and fly-past shortly before the start. The United States Grand Prix begins in the mid-afternoon. 
Drivers' parade
Best places to stay for the US Grand PrixIf you are visiting the United States Grand Prix at Circuit of the Americas, most first-time visitors stay in downtown Austin. It is easy to get around on foot, with restaurants and bars close by. Shuttle buses to the circuit also leave from this area, which keeps your weekend simple.
There are places to stay in central Austin for different budgets, from simpler hotels to more premium options. Many are within walking distance of the shuttle pick-up point, which makes getting to and from the circuit easier each day. If downtown prices feel high, areas just outside the centre, such as The Domain, East Austin, and the Arboretum Area, give you more options and often better value. Some hotels have a minimum stay over race weekend, and areas near Sixth Street and Rainey Street can be noisy late at night. For something different, there is also a fully serviced RV park at the circuit itself. Read the full guide to where to stay for the United States Grand Prix here » Best Grandstands for key moments at the US Grand PrixThe Circuit of the Americas is one of the few anti-clockwise tracks on the Formula One calendar. It’s a modern circuit, but its design draws clear inspiration from classic venues. You can see elements of Hockenheim’s stadium section, Istanbul’s multi-apex Turn 8, and Silverstone’s Becketts–Maggots complex throughout the lap.
Austin’s signature section, though, is its own. The steep run from the start line up to a near-blind hairpin at Turn 1 is unique. Turn 12 is widely seen as the key braking zone, while Turn 1 often creates action on the opening lap and on restarts because of the uphill approach, wide entry, and multiple racing lines. 
Turn 1 Grandstand Turn 1 is one of COTA’s most iconic corners. A wide, sharp left-hand hairpin perched atop a 133-foot elevation rise, it’s a prime overtaking spot with multiple racing lines. Because of the uphill approach, drivers can brake late and take different lines, which makes for exciting battles. From the Turn 1 Grandstand, you’ll get sweeping views of the main straight, pit exit, and much of the circuit. 
Turn 1 Grandstand
Turn 4 Grandstand If you want to see high speed racing, seats at Turn 4 are a good choice. It’s one of the fastest parts of the track and puts you close to the action as drivers push through the esses with razor-sharp direction changes. Turn 12 Grandstand COTA’s longest straight ends at Turn 12, a heavy braking zone and one of the best overtaking spots on the circuit. The Turn 12 Grandstand sits on the outside of the corner and offers a clear view of the approach and braking battles. Turn 15 Grandstand Located at the end of the arena-style section, the Turn 15 Grandstand gives fans a look at a sequence of corners from Turn 12 through Turn 16. The slower speed of this technical sector means you’ll see cars up close as drivers try to set up passes or defend their lines. It’s a great place for side-by-side racing and strategic moves. 
Turn 12 & Turn 15 Grandstands
Main Grandstand (Start/Finish Straight) The Main Grandstand is the heart of the action. Sitting opposite the pit lane, it gives you a clear view of the starting grid, pit stops, and all the pre-race and post-race moments including the anthem, grid preparations, the checkered flag, and podium celebration. You’ll also see the lightning-fast launch into Turn 1 at the start, which always delivers drama. 
Main Grandstand
Most grandstands are uncovered so bring sun protection or rain gear just in case. Read the full guide to choosing your grandstand for the United States Grand Prix here » Where next?From Austin, there are several great places to explore next. Just west of the city, the Texas Hill Country offers scenic drives, wineries, and small towns such as Fredericksburg and Wimberley. San Antonio is about 90 minutes south, where you can visit the Alamo and walk along the River Walk.
If you want a longer trip, Austin is a good starting point for some of America’s best music cities. Memphis, Nashville, and New Orleans are all within reach, each with its own style of live music, food, and culture. If you would like to continue the Formula One experience, you can also head south into Mexico. The Mexican Grand Prix often takes place the weekend after Austin, which makes it an easy double-header for fans who want to keep the trip going. The Best Booking Resources for F1 TripsThis is the fun part for some and the stressful part for others.
If you’d rather skip the hassle, we’ve got you covered. We love putting together Grand Prix trips so you don’t have to. From travel logistics to hotel bookings and everything in between, think of us as your F1 travel support crew. Take a look at our Grand Prix ticket & travel packages » Prefer to do it all yourself? You’re welcome to take what you’ve learned here and build your own trip from scratch. I keep going back to these travel companies because they’re reliable, easy to use, and usually have the best value. They’re where I start every time I plan a trip. Tickets Motorsport Tickets and Grand Prix Tickets are the two agencies I’ve trusted for years. They’ve always been reliable, easy to deal with, and quick to help if something comes up. Hotels ZenHotels is one of my go-to sites for hotel bookings. It pulls prices from loads of smaller sites you might not know about, so it’s great for finding deals. I also check Expedia and Booking.com when I want more options. Excursions Viator is packed with walking tours, attraction tickets, and local experiences. It's especially handy if you're heading to a new Grand Prix city. It’s a great place to find extras to add to your trip. Frequently Asked QuestionsWhere is Circuit of the Americas located?
Circuit of the Americas sits about 18 miles southeast of downtown Austin, which means most F1 fans stay in the city and travel to the track each day. How do most F1 fans get to the circuit from downtown Austin? Most F1 fans use the official shuttle buses from downtown Austin, which means getting to the circuit is simple without needing to drive. How far is Austin airport from downtown? Austin-Bergstrom International Airport is about 8 miles from downtown, which means transfers into the city are short and easy to manage. How many days should you spend at the US Grand Prix? It is best to plan for three full days from Friday to Sunday, which means you see all Formula 1 sessions and the support races across the weekend. What happens across the race weekend? Track action runs on all three days, which means there is always something to watch from practice through to the Grand Prix. Where do most F1 fans stay for the US Grand Prix? Most first-time F1 fans stay in downtown Austin, which means you are close to restaurants, bars, and the shuttle buses to the circuit. Which grandstand is best at Circuit of the Americas? Each grandstand focuses on a different part of the track, which means the best choice depends on whether you want overtaking, high-speed sections, or views of the start and pit lane. What is Austin like during race weekend? Austin has a strong music scene, great food, and a walkable downtown, which means there is plenty to do before and after the track action. Money-saving tips for the US Grand PrixBook early
Race weekend in Austin is busy, which means hotels can sell out months in advance and prices rise as availability drops. Stay just outside downtown Areas such as The Domain, East Austin, and the Arboretum Area often cost less, which means you can save on accommodation while still reaching the circuit each day. Choose bleacher seating Bleacher sections are usually cheaper than seats with individual seat backs, which means you can reduce your ticket cost if comfort is less important. Consider General Admission General Admission is the lowest-cost ticket option, which means you can attend the race for less even though you will not have a reserved seat. Share your room if possible Many US hotel rooms have two large beds or a sofa bed, which means sharing can reduce the cost per person. Be aware of rideshare pricing after the race Prices can increase when demand is high, which means using the shuttle for your return journey can help you avoid higher fares. |
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Rob is an experienced independent travel consultant and travel content creator.
His love for Formula One started in the 1990s, watching the greats like Ayrton Senna, Michael Schumacher, and Mika Hakkinen. He traveled to his first Grand Prix in 1999. It was the Spanish Grand Prix in Barcelona. Since then, Rob has traveled to over 2/3 of Grand Prix' on the current Formula One calendar. Fast forward to today, and Rob has turned his passion into a career, dedicating his time to helping others plan their dream Formula One trips. His favourite Grand Prix destinations are Austria and Austin, and when he's not attending a Formula One Grand Prix, you'll find him closer to home, walking or cycling in the Peak District National Park. |
